The technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) is one of the major techniques in dealing with multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) problems, and the belief structure (BS) model ...The technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) is one of the major techniques in dealing with multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) problems, and the belief structure (BS) model has been used successfully for uncertain MCDM with incompleteness, impreciseness or ignorance. In this paper, the TOPSIS method with BS model is proposed to solve group belief MCDM problems. Firstly, the group belief MCDM problem is structured as a belief decision matrix in which the judgments of each decision maker are described as BS models, and then the evidential reasoning approach is used for aggregating the multiple decision makers' judgments. Subsequently, the positive and negative ideal belief solutions are defined with the principle of TOPSIS. To measure the separation from ideal solutions, the concept and algorithm of belief distance measure are defined, which can be used for comparing the difference between BS models. Finally, the relative closeness and ranking index are calculated for ranking the alternatives. A numerical example is given to illustrate the proposed method.展开更多
There is an increased interest in the extraction of nucleic acids from various environmental samples since culture-independent molecular techniques contribute to deepen and broaden the understanding of a greater porti...There is an increased interest in the extraction of nucleic acids from various environmental samples since culture-independent molecular techniques contribute to deepen and broaden the understanding of a greater portion of uncultivable microorganisms. Due to difficulties to select the optimum DNA extraction method in view of downstream molecular analyses, this article presents a straightforward mathematical framework for comparing some of the most commonly used methods. Four commercial DNA extraction kits and two physical-chemical methods (bead-beating and freeze-thaw) were compared for the extraction of DNA under several quantitative DNA analysis criteria: yield of extraction, purity of extracted DNA (A260/280 and A260/230 ratios), degradation degree of DNA, easiness of PCR amplification, duration of extraction, and cost per extraction. From a practical point of view, it is unlikely that a single DNA extraction strategy can be optimum for all selected criteria. Hence, a systematic Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) was employed to compare the methods. The PowerSoil? DNA Isolation Kit was systematically defined as the best performing method for extracting DNA from soil samples. More specifically, for soil:manure and soil:manure:biochar mixtures, the PowerSoil?DNA Isolation Kit method performed best, while for neat soil samples its alternative version gained the first rank.展开更多
To overcome the limitations of the traditional surrogate worth trade-off (SWT) method and solve the multiple criteria decision making problem more efficiently and interactively, a new method labeled dual worth trade...To overcome the limitations of the traditional surrogate worth trade-off (SWT) method and solve the multiple criteria decision making problem more efficiently and interactively, a new method labeled dual worth tradeoff (DWT) method is proposed. The DWT method dynamically uses the duality theory related to the multiple criteria decision making problem and analytic hierarchy process technique to obtain the decision maker's solution preference information and finally find the satisfactory compromise solution of the decision maker. Through the interactive process between the analyst and the decision maker, trade-off information is solicited and treated properly, the representative subset of efficient solutions and the satisfactory solution to the problem are found. The implementation procedure for the DWT method is presented. The effectiveness and applicability of the DWT method are shown by a practical case study in the field of production scheduling.展开更多
This paper presents an effective decision making framework for software selection in manufacturing industries using a multiple criteria decision making method, Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Eva...This paper presents an effective decision making framework for software selection in manufacturing industries using a multiple criteria decision making method, Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluations (PROMETHEE). The method is improved in the present work by integrating with analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and the fuzzy logic. Fuzzy logic is introduced to handle the imprecision of the human decision making process. The proposed decision making framework is practical for ranking competing software products in terms of their overall performance with respect to multiple criteria. An example is included to illustrate the approach.展开更多
The Paraconsistent Many-Valued Similarity (PMVS) method for multi-attribute decision making will be incomplete as a decision model if it is not extended to the realm of group decision-making. Therefore, in this articl...The Paraconsistent Many-Valued Similarity (PMVS) method for multi-attribute decision making will be incomplete as a decision model if it is not extended to the realm of group decision-making. Therefore, in this article, our primary objective is to show how the paraconsistent many-valued similarity method can be used to solve group decision-making problems involving choice making or ranking of a finite set of decision alternatives. Moreover, since weights are very important parameters in multi-attribute decision-making, we have introduced the Borda rule to calculate the weights of experts and that of every criterion under consideration. To demonstrate how the proposed method works, a numerical example on energy sources of an economy from the points of view of a group of experts is investigated. Further, we compare the results of this new approach with that of fuzzy TOPSIS group decision-making method to illustrate the robustness and effectiveness of the former.展开更多
This paper explores a decision making model for a multidisciplinary problem in nature. This problem considers the role of energy use in sustainable development and the potential sources to increase energy efficiency d...This paper explores a decision making model for a multidisciplinary problem in nature. This problem considers the role of energy use in sustainable development and the potential sources to increase energy efficiency during its whole life cycle;it also deals with multicriteria decision making of plastic materials used in a day to day basis. Exergy analysis of plastic materials used to the manufacture of disposable polyethylene bags comparing them with other materials that can be used for substitution will be important to take decisions. We are also interested in plastic poly (ethylene Terephthalate or PET) bottles. The calculation of the incoming and outgoing Exergy flows during the production processes are carried out. The Exergy loss considering the sustainability concept, Green House Gases emissions, real energy flows needed to the chain of processes, material balances in the productions chains and value added, are presented as a set of criteria to make decisions of alternative materials including the actual ones. A case study for Mexico’s market will be developed in order to prove the methodology. It offers some interesting data about consumption and production of bags and bottles.展开更多
Researchers have been active in the field of software engineering measurement over more than 30 years. The software quality product is becoming increasingly important in the computerized society. Target setting in sof...Researchers have been active in the field of software engineering measurement over more than 30 years. The software quality product is becoming increasingly important in the computerized society. Target setting in software quality function and usability deployment are essential since they are directly related to development of high quality products with high customer satisfaction. Software quality can be measured as the degree to which a particular software program complies with consumer demand regarding function and characteristics. Target setting is usually subjective in practice, which is unscientific. Therefore, this study proposes a quantity model for controlling and measuring software quality via the expert decision-making algorithm-based method for constructing an evaluation method can provide software in relation to users and purchasers, thus enabling administrators or decision makers to identify the most appropriate software quality. Importantly, the proposed model can provide s users and purchasers a reference material, making it highly applicable for academic and government purposes.展开更多
Geothermal energy is considered a renewable,environmentally friendly,especially carbon-free,sustainable energy source that can solve the problem of climate change.In general,countries with geothermal energy resources ...Geothermal energy is considered a renewable,environmentally friendly,especially carbon-free,sustainable energy source that can solve the problem of climate change.In general,countries with geothermal energy resources are the ones going through the ring of fire.Therefore,not every country is lucky enough to own this resource.As a country with 117 active volcanoes and within the world’s ring of fire,it is a country whose geothermal resources are estimated to be about 40%of the world’s geothermal energy potential.However,the percentage used compared to the geothermal potential is too small.Therefore,this is the main energy source that Indonesia is aiming to exploit and use.However,the deployment and development of this energy source are still facing many obstacles due to many aspects from budget sources due to high capital costs,factory construction location,quality of resources,and conflicts of the local community.In this context,determining the optimal locations for geothermal energy sites(GES)is one of the most important and necessary issues.To strengthen the selection methods,this study applies a two-layer fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making method.Through the layers,the Ordinal Priority Approach(OPA)is proposed to weight the sub-criteria,the main criterion,and the sustainability factors.In layer 2,the Neutrosophic Fuzzy Axiomatic Design(NFAD)is applied to rank and evaluate potential locations for geothermal plant construction.Choosing the right geothermal energy site can bring low-cost efficiency,no greenhouse gas emissions,and quickly become the main energy source providing electricity for Indonesia.The final ranking shows Papua,Kawah Cibuni,and Moluccas as the three most suitable cities to build geothermal energy systems.Kawah Cibuni was identified as the most potential GES in Indonesia,with a score of 0.46.Papua is the second most promising GES with a score of 0.45.Next is the Moluccas,with a score of 0.39.However,the three least potential sites among the 15 studied sites are Lumut Balai,Moluccas and Patuha,with scores of 0.08,0.11 and 0.17,respectively.The conclusion of this study also classifies positions into groups to aid in decision-making.展开更多
Food is one of the biggest industries in developed and underdeveloped countries. Supply chain sustainability is essential in established and emerging economies because of the rising acceptance of cost-based outsourcin...Food is one of the biggest industries in developed and underdeveloped countries. Supply chain sustainability is essential in established and emerging economies because of the rising acceptance of cost-based outsourcing and the growing technological, social, and environmental concerns. The food business faces serious sustainability and growth challenges in developing countries. A comprehensive analysis of the critical success factors (CSFs) influencing the performance outcome and the sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) process. A theoretical framework is established to explain how they are used to examine the organizational aspect of the food supply chain life cycle analysis. This study examined the CSFs and revealed the relationships between them using a methodology that included a review of literature, interpretative structural modeling (ISM), and cross-impact matrix multiplication applied in classification (MICMAC) tool analysis of soil liquefaction factors. The findings of this research demonstrate that the quality and safety of food are important factors and have a direct effect on other factors. To make sustainable food supply chain management more adequate, legislators, managers, and experts need to pay attention to this factor. In this work. It also shows that companies aiming to create a sustainable business model must make sustainability a fundamental tenet of their organization. Practitioners and managers may devise effective long-term plans for establishing a sustainable food supply chain utilizing the recommended methodology.展开更多
The application of data envelopment analysis (DEA) as a multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) technique has been gaining more and more attention in recent research. In the practice of applying DEA approach, the...The application of data envelopment analysis (DEA) as a multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) technique has been gaining more and more attention in recent research. In the practice of applying DEA approach, the appearance of uncertainties on input and output data of decision making unit (DMU) might make the nominal solution infeasible and lead to the efficiency scores meaningless from practical view. This paper analyzes the impact of data uncertainty on the evaluation results of DEA, and proposes several robust DEA models based on the adaptation of recently developed robust optimization approaches, which would be immune against input and output data uncertainties. The robust DEA models developed are based on input-oriented and outputoriented CCR model, respectively, when the uncertainties appear in output data and input data separately. Furthermore, the robust DEA models could deal with random symmetric uncertainty and unknown-but-bounded uncertainty, in both of which the distributions of the random data entries are permitted to be unknown. The robust DEA models are implemented in a numerical example and the efficiency scores and rankings of these models are compared. The results indicate that the robust DEA approach could be a more reliable method for efficiency evaluation and ranking in MCDM problems.展开更多
Facility layout selection is a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) problem,since it has a strategic impact on the efficiency of manufacturing system.In view of the interdependency among selection criteria,analytic n...Facility layout selection is a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) problem,since it has a strategic impact on the efficiency of manufacturing system.In view of the interdependency among selection criteria,analytic network process (ANP) is proposed to analyze the structure of the facility layout selection problem and determine the weights for each criterion.A network structure is constructed that shows all elements and clusters and their interactions.Limit priorities are also calculated which help decision maker evaluate the relative importance among criterion in the alternative selection process.Moreover,a hybrid MCDM approach that employs ANP and technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS)method to rank the optimal facility layout alternatives.Finally,an application of a new aeronautic component assembly workshop facility layout selection is conducted.To further illustrate the advantage of the proposed approach,the difference between ANP-TOPSIS and AHP-TOPSIS methods are compared and discussed.Results have demonstrated the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method.展开更多
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.70971131, 70901074)
文摘The technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) is one of the major techniques in dealing with multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) problems, and the belief structure (BS) model has been used successfully for uncertain MCDM with incompleteness, impreciseness or ignorance. In this paper, the TOPSIS method with BS model is proposed to solve group belief MCDM problems. Firstly, the group belief MCDM problem is structured as a belief decision matrix in which the judgments of each decision maker are described as BS models, and then the evidential reasoning approach is used for aggregating the multiple decision makers' judgments. Subsequently, the positive and negative ideal belief solutions are defined with the principle of TOPSIS. To measure the separation from ideal solutions, the concept and algorithm of belief distance measure are defined, which can be used for comparing the difference between BS models. Finally, the relative closeness and ranking index are calculated for ranking the alternatives. A numerical example is given to illustrate the proposed method.
文摘There is an increased interest in the extraction of nucleic acids from various environmental samples since culture-independent molecular techniques contribute to deepen and broaden the understanding of a greater portion of uncultivable microorganisms. Due to difficulties to select the optimum DNA extraction method in view of downstream molecular analyses, this article presents a straightforward mathematical framework for comparing some of the most commonly used methods. Four commercial DNA extraction kits and two physical-chemical methods (bead-beating and freeze-thaw) were compared for the extraction of DNA under several quantitative DNA analysis criteria: yield of extraction, purity of extracted DNA (A260/280 and A260/230 ratios), degradation degree of DNA, easiness of PCR amplification, duration of extraction, and cost per extraction. From a practical point of view, it is unlikely that a single DNA extraction strategy can be optimum for all selected criteria. Hence, a systematic Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) was employed to compare the methods. The PowerSoil? DNA Isolation Kit was systematically defined as the best performing method for extracting DNA from soil samples. More specifically, for soil:manure and soil:manure:biochar mixtures, the PowerSoil?DNA Isolation Kit method performed best, while for neat soil samples its alternative version gained the first rank.
基金This project was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(79870030)
文摘To overcome the limitations of the traditional surrogate worth trade-off (SWT) method and solve the multiple criteria decision making problem more efficiently and interactively, a new method labeled dual worth tradeoff (DWT) method is proposed. The DWT method dynamically uses the duality theory related to the multiple criteria decision making problem and analytic hierarchy process technique to obtain the decision maker's solution preference information and finally find the satisfactory compromise solution of the decision maker. Through the interactive process between the analyst and the decision maker, trade-off information is solicited and treated properly, the representative subset of efficient solutions and the satisfactory solution to the problem are found. The implementation procedure for the DWT method is presented. The effectiveness and applicability of the DWT method are shown by a practical case study in the field of production scheduling.
文摘This paper presents an effective decision making framework for software selection in manufacturing industries using a multiple criteria decision making method, Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluations (PROMETHEE). The method is improved in the present work by integrating with analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and the fuzzy logic. Fuzzy logic is introduced to handle the imprecision of the human decision making process. The proposed decision making framework is practical for ranking competing software products in terms of their overall performance with respect to multiple criteria. An example is included to illustrate the approach.
文摘The Paraconsistent Many-Valued Similarity (PMVS) method for multi-attribute decision making will be incomplete as a decision model if it is not extended to the realm of group decision-making. Therefore, in this article, our primary objective is to show how the paraconsistent many-valued similarity method can be used to solve group decision-making problems involving choice making or ranking of a finite set of decision alternatives. Moreover, since weights are very important parameters in multi-attribute decision-making, we have introduced the Borda rule to calculate the weights of experts and that of every criterion under consideration. To demonstrate how the proposed method works, a numerical example on energy sources of an economy from the points of view of a group of experts is investigated. Further, we compare the results of this new approach with that of fuzzy TOPSIS group decision-making method to illustrate the robustness and effectiveness of the former.
文摘This paper explores a decision making model for a multidisciplinary problem in nature. This problem considers the role of energy use in sustainable development and the potential sources to increase energy efficiency during its whole life cycle;it also deals with multicriteria decision making of plastic materials used in a day to day basis. Exergy analysis of plastic materials used to the manufacture of disposable polyethylene bags comparing them with other materials that can be used for substitution will be important to take decisions. We are also interested in plastic poly (ethylene Terephthalate or PET) bottles. The calculation of the incoming and outgoing Exergy flows during the production processes are carried out. The Exergy loss considering the sustainability concept, Green House Gases emissions, real energy flows needed to the chain of processes, material balances in the productions chains and value added, are presented as a set of criteria to make decisions of alternative materials including the actual ones. A case study for Mexico’s market will be developed in order to prove the methodology. It offers some interesting data about consumption and production of bags and bottles.
文摘Researchers have been active in the field of software engineering measurement over more than 30 years. The software quality product is becoming increasingly important in the computerized society. Target setting in software quality function and usability deployment are essential since they are directly related to development of high quality products with high customer satisfaction. Software quality can be measured as the degree to which a particular software program complies with consumer demand regarding function and characteristics. Target setting is usually subjective in practice, which is unscientific. Therefore, this study proposes a quantity model for controlling and measuring software quality via the expert decision-making algorithm-based method for constructing an evaluation method can provide software in relation to users and purchasers, thus enabling administrators or decision makers to identify the most appropriate software quality. Importantly, the proposed model can provide s users and purchasers a reference material, making it highly applicable for academic and government purposes.
文摘Geothermal energy is considered a renewable,environmentally friendly,especially carbon-free,sustainable energy source that can solve the problem of climate change.In general,countries with geothermal energy resources are the ones going through the ring of fire.Therefore,not every country is lucky enough to own this resource.As a country with 117 active volcanoes and within the world’s ring of fire,it is a country whose geothermal resources are estimated to be about 40%of the world’s geothermal energy potential.However,the percentage used compared to the geothermal potential is too small.Therefore,this is the main energy source that Indonesia is aiming to exploit and use.However,the deployment and development of this energy source are still facing many obstacles due to many aspects from budget sources due to high capital costs,factory construction location,quality of resources,and conflicts of the local community.In this context,determining the optimal locations for geothermal energy sites(GES)is one of the most important and necessary issues.To strengthen the selection methods,this study applies a two-layer fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making method.Through the layers,the Ordinal Priority Approach(OPA)is proposed to weight the sub-criteria,the main criterion,and the sustainability factors.In layer 2,the Neutrosophic Fuzzy Axiomatic Design(NFAD)is applied to rank and evaluate potential locations for geothermal plant construction.Choosing the right geothermal energy site can bring low-cost efficiency,no greenhouse gas emissions,and quickly become the main energy source providing electricity for Indonesia.The final ranking shows Papua,Kawah Cibuni,and Moluccas as the three most suitable cities to build geothermal energy systems.Kawah Cibuni was identified as the most potential GES in Indonesia,with a score of 0.46.Papua is the second most promising GES with a score of 0.45.Next is the Moluccas,with a score of 0.39.However,the three least potential sites among the 15 studied sites are Lumut Balai,Moluccas and Patuha,with scores of 0.08,0.11 and 0.17,respectively.The conclusion of this study also classifies positions into groups to aid in decision-making.
文摘Food is one of the biggest industries in developed and underdeveloped countries. Supply chain sustainability is essential in established and emerging economies because of the rising acceptance of cost-based outsourcing and the growing technological, social, and environmental concerns. The food business faces serious sustainability and growth challenges in developing countries. A comprehensive analysis of the critical success factors (CSFs) influencing the performance outcome and the sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) process. A theoretical framework is established to explain how they are used to examine the organizational aspect of the food supply chain life cycle analysis. This study examined the CSFs and revealed the relationships between them using a methodology that included a review of literature, interpretative structural modeling (ISM), and cross-impact matrix multiplication applied in classification (MICMAC) tool analysis of soil liquefaction factors. The findings of this research demonstrate that the quality and safety of food are important factors and have a direct effect on other factors. To make sustainable food supply chain management more adequate, legislators, managers, and experts need to pay attention to this factor. In this work. It also shows that companies aiming to create a sustainable business model must make sustainability a fundamental tenet of their organization. Practitioners and managers may devise effective long-term plans for establishing a sustainable food supply chain utilizing the recommended methodology.
文摘The application of data envelopment analysis (DEA) as a multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) technique has been gaining more and more attention in recent research. In the practice of applying DEA approach, the appearance of uncertainties on input and output data of decision making unit (DMU) might make the nominal solution infeasible and lead to the efficiency scores meaningless from practical view. This paper analyzes the impact of data uncertainty on the evaluation results of DEA, and proposes several robust DEA models based on the adaptation of recently developed robust optimization approaches, which would be immune against input and output data uncertainties. The robust DEA models developed are based on input-oriented and outputoriented CCR model, respectively, when the uncertainties appear in output data and input data separately. Furthermore, the robust DEA models could deal with random symmetric uncertainty and unknown-but-bounded uncertainty, in both of which the distributions of the random data entries are permitted to be unknown. The robust DEA models are implemented in a numerical example and the efficiency scores and rankings of these models are compared. The results indicate that the robust DEA approach could be a more reliable method for efficiency evaluation and ranking in MCDM problems.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.51575274)the National Defense Basic Scientific Research Program of China (No.JCKY2016605B006)the Key Research and Development Project of Jiangxi Province in China (No.20161ACE50004)
文摘Facility layout selection is a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) problem,since it has a strategic impact on the efficiency of manufacturing system.In view of the interdependency among selection criteria,analytic network process (ANP) is proposed to analyze the structure of the facility layout selection problem and determine the weights for each criterion.A network structure is constructed that shows all elements and clusters and their interactions.Limit priorities are also calculated which help decision maker evaluate the relative importance among criterion in the alternative selection process.Moreover,a hybrid MCDM approach that employs ANP and technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS)method to rank the optimal facility layout alternatives.Finally,an application of a new aeronautic component assembly workshop facility layout selection is conducted.To further illustrate the advantage of the proposed approach,the difference between ANP-TOPSIS and AHP-TOPSIS methods are compared and discussed.Results have demonstrated the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method.